As reported by Varun Shankar of The Washington Post, Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum are the only two players on the Washington Wizards’ current roster who are either over the age of 26 or slated to earn more than $14 million during the 2025/26 NBA season.
This highlights the franchise’s clear emphasis on youth and long-term development.
Despite their age and salary standing out in an otherwise young and relatively low-cost roster, both Middleton and McCollum are being embraced by the front office as valuable veteran assets.
Team executives view the pair not only as stabilizing influences on and off the court, but also as key role models who can set a professional standard for the team’s developing core.
Beyond their leadership and experience, their presence also aligns with the team’s financial strategy.
Since both veterans are on contracts that expire after the 2025/26 season, their deals provide the Wizards with a clean financial slate and the opportunity to generate significant cap space in 2026.
This added flexibility could be instrumental as the team looks to add star talent or re-sign emerging players when its young roster begins to mature.
Southeast Notes: D. Smith, Heat, Wizards, Djurisic https://t.co/MpTJNiYzRt pic.twitter.com/fDEB4YDtNo
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 29, 2025
